Laurus nobilis is available from Forestfarm (in fact, they have a couple of different cultivars), Ecolage, and many other mail-order nurseries. Check with GardenWatchdog before placing an order. Forestfarm and Ecolage both have excellent GardenWatchdog reviews. I will post a link to PlantScout's list of sources for this plant below.

Laurus nobilis is listed as hardy to zone 8/8b, so it depends on where in middle TN and possible microclimate effects.

Here is a link that might be useful: Laurus nobilis Sources from PlantScout

I haven't grown one before but my mom did. She kept it in a pot for a couple years. Probably the best way to do it since it would be risky to plant outside.

thanks for the follow up! think ill get one from online and pot it like my bananas! thanks much

(hope to see you all at the mtps!)

I had to order the bay leaf plant we had, there are more nurseries now that have them. It was in a small pot and I planted it in a much larger one, had it for 6 years. Quickly grew to 4' tall and 3' wide. Would have to bring it in for the winter. That is what happen to kill it, early hard frost, (my fault forgetting about it). I used the leaves in cooking.

Wanda

I'd just call all the area nurseries before I paid shipping, especially from ForestFarm. They are the worst on shipping, often more than the plant. Mine has been a foot from the house on the east side (only because the south side isn't available) for 8 years and it is about a foot tall but doesn't get any taller since it dies back each year. It isn't ideal but it is easy. I'm just afraid I would kill it inside.

Evelyn

Evelyn: I've had one in a pot for several years and if I can keep it alive, anyone can. ;-) I'm not a faithful waterer, so it hasn't flourished, but it looks nice and revives every summer when it gets to vacation outside.

Alice

Evelyn, Be careful with edibles that close to the house if you treat your home with pesticides especially termite killing ones.

Rhonda,

Boy that is another reason not to spray. I hadn't thought of that.
Perhaps I will pot it next fall. I am soooo behind this year.

Evelyn

Are the fresh leaves better for cooking? Loves me some bay leaves in soup, chili, spaghetti sauce...you name it.

Tngreenthumb--"YES, better is fresh for cooking"!